BIOGRAPHY

REGGIE BERG - Jazz and Classical Pianist/Arranger/Composer               

               Reggie Berg began his musical studies at age six with formal piano lessons.  At age nine, after winning a concerto competition, he performed Marion Bauer’s “Piano Concerto in G minor,” with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.  With no formal lessons, he began composing classical music, and won the Elementary division of the MTNA Young Composer’s Competition with his piece “Theme and Variations in G minor.”  The following year, he entered the junior division, and was awarded third place at the national level with his composition, “Rondo in A-flat Major.” 

At age twelve, Reggie found a new fascination with jazz music and began studying with a local teacher.  To more seriously pursue his new found passion for jazz music, he completed his high school education at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, MI.  While at Interlochen, Reggie was selected to perform an original jazz composition, “I Lost You Two,” on NPR’s renowned radio program “From The Top” with host Christopher O’Riley.  His affiliation with “From The Top” later turned into being selected to be interviewed by “Encore!” – a textbook  showcasing select musicians who appeared on “From The Top.”

Reggie was the pianist in the Interlochen Jazz Combo, which was awarded the “Most outstanding High School Jazz Combo,” award from “Downbeat” magazine. In 2004, Reggie was also awarded Runner-Up from the A.R.T.S. foundation for high achievement in the field of Jazz Piano.  Upon graduating, Reggie received a “Young Artist Certificate,” an award never before given to a student of Interlochen’s jazz program.  Reggie performed at the “Essentially Ellington” Festival, held at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

After Interlochen, Reggie continued his musical studies at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Bill Dobbins, and Lee Konitz and Chet Baker affiliated pianist, Harold Danko.  In 2004, Reggie received the opportunity to perform and record his original composition, “Eyes that Sing,” with 14 time Grammy award winner, Bob Mintzer. Reggie also performs as a classical pianist, and in 2006 he accompanied a faculty classical saxophone recital held at Indiana University (Fort Wayne, IN.)

Reggie has four CD’s to his name, “The Day Life Changed” (all original compositions, recorded at age 15,) “Expressions,” (all original compositions), “Reggie Berg, Live!” and “Remembering Reggie.”  Reggie has performed as a classical and jazz pianist, and in 2006 he accompanied a faculty classical saxophone recital held at Indiana University (Fort Wayne, IN.)  Reggie is currently an undergraduate student at Denver University’s “Lamont School of Music” where he is a jazz piano student of Eric Gunnison.  He is active in the Denver area as a performer and composer, and can be heard on vocalist David Gannon’s new CD, “It’s about Time.”